Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 5, 1995 TAG: 9503060061
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
There have been individual Virginia players - even pairs of players - who have scored more points, contributed to more victories and received more acclaim than the five seniors who will be recognized before the Cavaliers' home game today against Maryland.
The case could be made, however, that UVa never has had a better men's basketball recruiting class from top to bottom.
The signees who enrolled in the fall of 1991 - Junior Burrough, Cory Alexander, Jason Williford, Yuri Barnes and Chris Alexander - have made a combined 336 starts and enter today's game with 4,506 points.
That figure easily would have topped 5,000 if Cory Alexander hadn't suffered two season-ending ankle injuries and missed close to 40 games. Nevertheless, no other UVa recruiting class has had more than 4,000.
``The expectations were that they could help us win basketball games and, because of my situation, in some ways legitimize things,'' said UVa coach Jeff Jones. ``They allowed us to take that first step in recruiting.''
Jones, named head coach in the spring of 1990, had guided Virginia to a 21-10 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance in his first season, but that was with players recruited by the staff - including Jones - of former coach Terry Holland.
Four of the players signed during the fall of '91, and with the addition of Cory Alexander, the most celebrated prospect, the Cavaliers had a point guard, a wing, two forwards and a center.
It's unlikely that all five were on the court at the same time very often, but they could have been.
``I'm not sure Junior would have been quick enough to check any three-man,'' said Williford, with a characteristic twinkle in his eye.
Jones might have been tempted to start the seniors today if not for the latest injury to Cory Alexander, out for the season with the second of his ankle injuries.
``It's a little bit sad that Cory's last appearance in University Hall will be on crutches and with a cast,'' Jones said.
A hardship appeal last year to the NCAA would enable Alexander to return for a fifth year, but he has made no secret of his intentions to turn pro before the 1995-96 season.
Chris Alexander also received an extra year and plans to return for the Cavaliers next season, but he will join his parents and classmates at midcourt today.
``Coach Jones asked me whether or not I wanted to be recognized,'' he said. ``I just thought it would be appropriate that I be introduced with my class.''
Alexander, once the forgotten man in the class, has overcome two years of virtual inactivity to start all 27 games at center for the Cavaliers this season. The only Virginia player to block more shots in a season than Alexander is three-time national player of the year Ralph Sampson.
``When we signed the five, I can remember people predicting that somebody wouldn't make it,'' Jones said. ``They've progressed at different rates and had different roles, but I think all five have done well.''
Somebody almost didn't make it.
``I thought about leaving,'' said Williford, who played a total of 36 minutes as a freshman. ``I never told the coaches or anybody on the team, but I talked to my parents about it. They told me to stick with it; they were very supportive. And I took a sports psychology class with Robert Rotella that was very helpful.
``That year, we didn't sign any recruits, so I knew there would be a starting spot open. I was playing behind Bryant Stith and Cornel Parker and I just had to be patient; the coaches were very honest about that when I came here. My first year was very difficult, though.''
For three of his four years at Virginia, Williford has roomed with a fellow Richmonder, Barnes, and their careers have paralleled each other. Before this season, Barnes had played 1,618 minutes and Williford 1,600.
Barnes was UVa's starting center for 27 games last season, including the first 26, but his playing time has dwindled this season. He had 18 points and 19 rebounds against George Mason, but was suspended Feb.15 for an unspecified violation of team rules that sources said pertained more to lifestyle than academics or basketball.
Although he was reinstated after one game, Barnes dropped behind freshman Norman Nolan in UVa's frontcourt rotation. But if anybody knows about Jones' doghouse, it's Williford, who threatened to throw the ball at an official against George Mason on Jan.28 and was benched by Jones for the last 35 minutes of that game.
Williford failed to score in that game or the next game, but his recent play has been a major reason for Virginia's 7-1 record since losing Cory Alexander. He has scored in double figures in a career-high four consecutive games and, with his rebounding, become the Cavaliers' answer to Dennis Rodman.
``There's one thing about me: I never give up,'' said Williford, who had 18 points Wednesday in a 63-62 victory over Virginia Tech, including eight in the final 1:59. ``I knew that eventually I would have a big game somewhere by the end of the season. As it turns out, it was a couple of big games in a row.''
The only UVa senior with significant career numbers is Burrough, who stands sixth on UVa's all-time list in points (1,795) and third in rebounds (850). Although Burrough has not missed a game in his college career, flu-like symptoms Friday had him talking about missing today's game.
``If I'm emotional Sunday, it will be more a feeling of joy than anything,'' Burrough said. ``I'm just very appreciative I've been able to do these things. I feel bad for Cory, but it doesn't have to end this way for him. I'm more angry than I am sad for him because I really do believe he should stay.''
Williford noted all five players are close to graduation, but their accomplishments on the court should not be minimized. UVa has compiled a 79-43 record during their careers, including an NIT championship, three NCAA Tournament victories and an appearance in the ACC Tournament title game.
``One of the things we've had to deal with is whether we've lived up to our billing,'' Burrough said. ``Some of our seasons have been up and down; there have been some inconsistencies and the injuries to Cory, but we don't deserve to be knocked. I'll take what this class has done and put it up against almost anybody.''
by CNB